Rishikesh to Nainital
Distance, real road route and a tentative fare estimate for travelling from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand to Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Tentative Fare Estimate
Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST
Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.
Route Map
By Car: Rishikesh to Nainital
180 km · ~3h 36m · About 4h of driving, plus stops.
- Start from Rishikesh
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
180 km · 3h 36m drive from previous stop
Arrive in NainitalNainital, Uttarakhand
Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.
By Bus: Rishikesh to Nainital
180 km · ~4h · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.
- Board at Rishikesh
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Rishikesh. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
- Rishikesh → Nainital
Non-AC or AC Seater · ~180 km
~4h|Tentative fare ₹200–₹550
- Arrive in Nainital
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.
By Train: Rishikesh to Nainital
Nearest railway stations: Raiwala for Rishikesh, Kathgodam for Nainital.
Direct trains
Other options with a change
1 change · 8h 35m in total
Change trains at Laksar Jn — about 3h 5m wait
1 change · 9h 35m in total
Change trains at Shahzad Nagar — about 1h 44m wait
1 change · 10h 30m in total
Change trains at Ghaziabad — about 1h 4m wait
Waits assume each train runs daily — the timetable data has no running days, so check the days for every train before you plan a change.
Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.
Rishikesh to Nainital: Route & Travel Options
Route overview
Rishikesh to Nainital is about 180 km by road, roughly 3.6 hours of travel time.
Tentative fare estimate
Approximate fares for about 180 km, estimated from typical Indian per-km tariffs — not a live quote from any operator.
- Car / Taxi: Swift Dzire ₹6,926 · Ertiga ₹8,816 · Innova ₹9,194 · Innova Crysta ₹11,334 · Tempo Traveller (12) ₹15,620
- Bus: Non-AC Seater ₹200 · AC Seater ₹320 · Non-AC Sleeper ₹290 · AC Sleeper ₹410 · Volvo / Multi-Axle ₹550
- Train: Sleeper ₹140 · Economy ₹210 · Third AC ₹280 · Second AC ₹390 · First AC ₹530
Tentative estimates only — actual fares vary by operator, season, class and how early you book.
Want the full Nainital guide?
Attractions, itineraries, temples and travel tips for Nainital.
Hotels in Nainital
Treebo hotels in Nainital. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.
Itsy Hotels Shri Gv Inn, 600 Mtrs From Tiffin Top
Nainital
Treebo Green Oak
Nainital
Things to Do in Nainital
Cave Garden
2 km further up from Mallital (northern end of the lake) is a cave complex, developed and maintained by the local administration. This consists of a series of six caves…
Guano Hills
These hills in the Pangot village are excellent for walks through forests of thick oak, bamboo and deodar. Some rare birds such as the grey woodpecker and black-chinned…
Gurney House
This is the former home of Jim Corbett. It has been converted into a museum and houses Corbett memorabilia.
Naina Devi Temple
One story tells us that this temple was constructed in the 15th century during the Kushan reign but another version states that it was built by Moti Ram Shah.
Naina Lake
Naini Lake is set amidst seven mountains that surround this stagnant water pool and high peaks that almost touch the sky.
Naina Devi Temple
The temple was destroyed during the Landslip of 1880, and was rebuilt. It is on the lake's northern shore.
Suggested Nainital Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Nainital
- Travel from Rishikesh to Nainital (about 3.6 hrs by road) and check in
- Visit Nainital Lake
Day 2Explore Nainital
- Visit Birla Vidya Mandir
- Visit Jama Masjid
- Visit Naina Devi Temple
Day 3Last sights and departure
- Visit Naina Lake
- Head back to Rishikesh
Extend Your Trip
Add a nearby place to your Nainital trip and see the full Rishikesh → Nainital → next stop route.
Nainital → Pithoragarh
About 100 km by road
Plan My Trip: Rishikesh to Nainital
Pick how you want to travel and we'll send a complete plan with transport, hotel and sightseeing — on WhatsApp and a call back.
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